395 Pine Tree Road, Suite 310 Ithaca, NY 14850 P: 607-254-4698 F: 607-254-5454 E: cctecconnect@cornell.edu www.cctec.cornell.edu Inventors: Michael King Xiaoyan Yin Kuldeepsinh Rana Varun Ponmudi Andrew Hughes Patents: Filed Contact: Jeff Fearn, PhD Sr. TCLO Office: 607-254-4502 E-mail: jcf55@cornell.edu Cornell Ref: D-4920/D-4968/D-4973
Link to Origanal PDF Functionalized Liposomes for Targeting and Treatment of Diseases CCTEC D-4920/D-4968/D-4973 Invention Summary Several technologies in combination create a novel method to target and/or treat cells, such as metastasized cancer cells.
This invention involves the use of functionalized liposomes. These liposomes may be functionalized with an adhesion molecule such as selectin alone or in combination with other entities. These liposomes may also have incorporated within it molecules such as siRNA or drugs.
Cornell researchers have shown proof of principle by functionalizing the surface of the liposome with selectin, which can interact with certain cancer cells. These liposomes can also have incorporated on their surface or into them:
1. FUT3 siRNA – functions by decreasing protein expression of fucosyltransferase 3 of cancer cells, thus inhibiting metastasis.
2. Doxorubicin – a cancer-killing agent that directly destroys cancer cells.
3. TRAIL– interacts with the Death Receptor on cancer cells, initiating their death.
Cornell inventors have also used functionalized halloysite nanotubes that project from the surface of the microtube they coat, increasing the available surface area and thus significantly enhancing the capture of circulating tumor cells and binding them. There is no effect on the viability of these cells, enabling their use for in vitro studies on the characteristics of the cancer and experimental drug therapies. Background Information Most cancer-related deaths are associated with the formation of metastatic tumors. One problem with targeted drug delivery to cancer cells is that the cancer cells have similarities with some normal cells, and are thus compromised during the course of treatment. A more targeted approach is needed to preserve the integrity of normal, healthy human cells while inducing apoptosis in cancer cells that have metastasized.
Technical Merits: • Liposomes may be adapted to different cancers by functionalizing with the appropriate binding molecule, or to other sites, such as areas of inflammation. • Functionalized liposomes can be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies.
• Potential to use these novel therapies in vivo. Potential Commercial Applications: • Treatment of metastasized cancer using FUT3 siRNA. • Treatment of other cancers, inflammation and other targets.
• Screening tool for drug therapies.
• Research tool. Potential Advantages: • Metastasized CTCs are specifically targeted without harm to normal cells. • Can functionalize liposomes to specifically target cell of interest.
• With halloysite nanotubes, the viability of CTCs is preserved, enabling the cells to be cultured
The development of individualized treatments for cancer can be facilitated by more efficient methods for separating cancer cells from patient blood in such a way that they remain viable for live cell assays. We have previously shown that immobilized P-selectin protein can be used on the inner surface of a microscale flow system to induce leukemic cells and leukocytes to roll at different velocities and relative fluxes, thereby creating a means for rapid cell fractionation without inflicting cellular damage. In this study, we explore a method to more efficiently capture leukemic and epithelial cancer cells from flow by altering the nanoscale topography of the inner surface of P-selectin-coated microtubes. This functionalized topography is achieved by attaching naturally occurring halloysite nanotubes to the microtube surface via a monolayer of poly-l-lysine), followed by functionalization with recombinant human selectin protein. We have found that halloysite nanotube coatings promote increased capture of leukemic cells and have determined the key parameters for controlling cell capture under flow: halloysite content and selectin density. Ultimately, selectin-functionalized nanotube coatings should provide a means for enhanced cancer cell isolation from whole blood and other mixtures of cells.
Additional Information (publications, web sites, and patent links)
"This is not to say that nanotechnology is a far-off, fuzzy, futuristic technology. It is not. It has already established a beachhead in the economy. The clothing industry is starting to feel the effects of nanotech. Eddie Bauer, for example, is currently using embedded nanoparticles to create stain-repellent khakis. This seemingly simple innovation will impact not only khaki-wearers, but dry cleaners, who will find their business declining; detergent makers, who will find less of their product moving off the shelf; and stain-removal makers, who will experience a sharp decrease in customers. This modest, fairly low-tech application of nanotechnology is just the small tip of a vast iceberg--an iceberg that threatens to sink even the "unsinkable" companies."
View the list created by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, called A Nanotechnology Consumer Products Inventory. It contains over 803 current (as of December 2008) products.
Some examples of how nanotechnology impacts our lives now
A plastic nanocomposite is being used for "step assists" in the GM Safari and Astro Vans. It is scratch-resistant, light-weight, and rust-proof, and generates improvements in strength and reductions in weight, which lead to fuel savings and increased longevity. And in 2001, Toyota started using nanocomposites in a bumper that makes it 60% lighter and twice as resistant to denting and scratching. Impact: Will likely be used on other GM and Toyota models soon, and in other areas of their vehicles, as well as the other auto manufactures, lowering weight, increasing milage, and creating longer-lasting autos. Likely to impact repair shops (fewer repairs needed) and auto insurance companies (fewer claims). Will also likely soon be seen everywhere weight, weather-proofing, durability, and strength are important factors. Expect NASA, the ESA, and other space-faring organizations to take a serious look, soon, which will eventually result in lower lift costs, which will result in more material being lifted into space.
Electron micrograph of typical silicon nanocomposite cross section showing uniform distribution of conductive carbon nanotube network. Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force. See Electrically Conductive Polymer Nanocomposite Materials for details.
Click image for larger version
Strong and light sounds like the perfect recipe for a golf club, of course, which is why so many golf club manufacturers are now devoting big bucks to nano R&D. Thus far, the only company among the big boys to convert research into tangible products is Wilson, which offers three drivers, a fairway wood, four balls and even a golf bag made using nano-materials.
The Chicago-based firm began looking into the potential of nanotechnology six years ago, but didn't come out with a product - the NCODE series of tennis rackets - until 2004. Later in the year, it started shipping drivers and fairway woods, the Pd5, Dd5, Td5 (MSRP - $300) and FwC (MSRP - $200), whose crowns are constructed with nano carbon which, Wilson claims, creates a low-density, high-strength clubhead. Angus Moir, global business director, says use of nano materials sets Wilson apart from the competition. "They make our products more user friendly," he says. link
Nanocrystals
Examples:
Click image for larger version
<><><><><><><><><>"Metal nanocrystals might be incorporated into car bumpers, making the parts stronger, or into aluminum, making it more wear resistant. Metal nanocrystals might be used to produce bearings that last longer than their conventional counterparts, new types of sensors and components for computers and electronic hardware.
Nanocrystals of various metals have been shown to be 100 percent, 200 percent and even as much as 300 percent harder than the same materials in bulk form. Because wear resistance often is dictated by the hardness of a metal, parts made from nanocrystals might last significantly longer than conventional parts." http://news.uns.purdue.edu/UNS/html4ever/020816.Chandrasekar.nano.html
Nanocrystals absorb then re-emit the light in a different color -- the size of the nanocrystal (in the Angstrom scale) determines the color.
Six different quantum dot solutions are shown, excited with a long-wave UV lamp.
Quantum dots are molecular-scale optical beacons. Qdot™ nanocrystals behave like molecular LEDs (light emitting diodes) by "lighting up" biological binding events with a broad palette of applied colors.
Smith & Nephew markets an antimicrobial dressing covered with nanocrystalline silver (A patented Technology of NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals). The nanocrystalline coating of silver rapidly kills a broad spectrum of bacteria in as little as 30 minutes.
Stain-repellent Eddie Bauer Nano-CareTM khakis, with surface fibers of 10 to 100 nanometers, uses a process that coats each fiber of fabric with "nano-whiskers." Developed by Nano-Tex, a Burlington Industries subsidiary. Dockers also makes khakis, a dress shirt and even a tie treated with what they call "Stain Defender", another example of the same nanoscale cloth treatment. Impact: Dry cleaners, detergent and stain-removal makers, carpet and furniture makers, window covering makers .... See Nano-Tex products
BASF's annual sales of aqueous polymer dispersion products amount to around $1.65 billion. All of them contain polymer particles ranging from ten to several hundred nanometers in size. Polymer dispersions are found in exterior paints, coatings and adhesives, or are used in the finishing of paper, textiles and leather. Nanotechnology also has applications in the food sector. Many vitamins and their precursors, such as carotinoids, are insoluble in water. However, when skillfully produced and formulated as nanoparticles, these substances can easily be mixed with cold water, and their bioavailability in the human body also increases. Many lemonades and fruit juices contain these specially formulated additives, which often also provide an attractive color. In the cosmetics sector, BASF has for several years been among the leading suppliers of UV absorbers based on nanoparticulate zinc oxide. Incorporated in sun creams, the small particles filter the high-energy radiation out of sunlight. Because of their tiny size, they remain invisible to the naked eye and so the cream is transparent on the skin. From Nanotechnology at BASF
Sunscreens are utilizing nanoparticles that are extremely effective at absorbing light, especially in the ultra-violet (UV) range. Due to the particle size, they spread more easily, cover better, and save money since you use less. And they are transparent, unlike traditional screens which are white. These sunscreens are so successful that by 2001 they had captured 60% of the Australian sunscreen market. Impact: Makers of sunscreen have to convert to using nanoparticles. And other product manufactures, like packaging makers, will find ways to incorporate them into packages to reduces UV exposure and subsequent spoilage. The $480B packaging and $300B plastics industries will be directly effected. See Big Opportunities for Small Particles
Using aluminum nanoparticles, Argonide has created rocket propellants that burn at double the rate. They also produce copper nanoparticles that are incorporated into automotive lubricant to reduce engine wear.
AngstroMedica has produced a nanoparticulate-based synthetic bone. "Human bone is made of a calcium and phosphate composite called Hydroxyapatite. By manipulation calcium and phosphate at the molecular level, we have created a patented material that is identical in structure and composition to natural bone. This novel synthetic bone can be used in areas where natural bone is damaged or removed, such as in the in the treatment of fractures and soft tissue injuries."
See this Kemco International page for a list of applications for nanoparticles.
Nanostructured Materials
Example:
Nanodyne makes a tungsten-carbide-cobalt composite powder (grain size less than 15nm) that is used to make a sintered alloy as hard as diamond, which is in turn used to make cutting tools, drill bits, armor plate, and jet engine parts. Impact: Every industry that makes parts or components whose properties must include hardness and durability. See Nanostructed Materials Get Tough A PDF document
Kodak is producing OLED color screens (made of nanostructured polymer films) for use in car stereos and cell phones. OLEDs (organic light emitting diodes) may enable thinner, lighter, more flexible, less power consuming displays, and other consumer products such as cameras, PDAs, laptops, televisions, and other as yet undreamt of applications. Impact: all current makers of CRTs, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and other display types. See OLEDs get ready to light up the market for flexible screens and KODAK OLED technical details [a PDF]
Used in packaging, like beer bottles, as a barrier, allowing for thinner material, with a subsequently lighter weight, and greater shelf-life. Impact: $480B packaging and $300B plastics industries. Reduced weight means transportation costs decline. Changing from glass and aluminum - think beer and soda bottles - to plastic reduces production costs. Nanoclays help to hold the pressure and carbonation inside the bottle, increasing shelf life. It is estimated that beer in these containers will gain an extra 60 days (from 120 to 180) of shelf life, reducing spoilage, and decreasing overall costs to the end user. Nanocor is one company producing nanoclays and nanocomposites, for a variety of uses, including flame retardants, barrier film (as in juice containers), and bottle barrier (as shown above). "They are not only used to improve existing products, but also are extending their reach into areas formerly dominated by metal, glass and wood." See Nanocor
Nanocomposite Coatings
Example:
Wilson Double Core tennis balls have a nanocomposite coating that keeps it bouncing twice as long as an old-style ball. Made by InMat LLC, this nanocomposite is a mix of butyl rubber, intermingled with nanoclay particles, giving the ball substantially longer shelf life. Impact: Tires are the next logical extension of this technology: it would make them lighter (better millage) and last longer (better cost performance). See Nanocomposites in tennis balls lock in air, build better bounce
Nanotubes
Examples:
Nanoledge makes carbon nanotubes for commercial uses, of which one mundane (marketing tactic) use is in a tennis racket, made by Babolat. The yoke of the racket bends less during ball impact, improving the player's performance. Impact: Once companies like Nanoledge can scale-up their production from grams, to pounds, to tons, and can do so while controlling the type of nanotube they produce, the world becomes their oyster: everywhere strength and weight are a factor - such as in the aerospace, automobile, and airplane industries - they will make a major (disruptive) impact. SeeFrench firm hopes to get PR bounce out of nanotubes in tennis rackets
Applied Nanotech recently demonstrated a 14" monochrome display based on electron emission from carbon nanotubes. Impact: Once the process is perfected, costs will go down, and the high-end market will start being filled. Shortly thereafter, and hand-in-hand with the predictable drop in price of CNTs, production economies-of-scale will enable the costs to drop further still, at which time we will see nanotube-based screens in use everywhere CRTs and view screens are used today. SeeApplied Nanotech demonstrates carbon nanotube TV
And Samsung is expected to demonstrate a CNT-based 32" display by the end of 2003.
Nanocatalysts
Examples:
China's largest coal company (Shenhua Group) has licensed technology from Hydrocarbon Technologies that will enable it to liquify coal and turn it into gas. The process uses a gel-based nanoscale catalyst, which improves the efficiency and reduces the cost. Impact: "If the technology lives up to its promise and can economically transform coal into diesel fuel and gasoline, coal-rich countries such as the U.S., China and Germany could depend far less on imported oil. At the same time, acid-rain pollution would be reduced because the liquefaction strips coal of harmful sulfur." See Very Small Business
One of the characteristic properties of all nanoparticles has been used from the outset in the manufacture of automotive catalytic converters: The surface area of the particles increases dramatically as the particle size decreases and the weight remains the same. A variety of chemical reactions take place on the surface of the catalyst, and the larger the surface area, the more active the catalyst. Nanoscale catalysts thus open the way for numerous process innovations to make many chemical processes more efficient and resource-saving – in other words more competitive. From Nanotechnology at BASF
Nanofilters
Examples:
Argonide Nanomaterials, an Orlando based manufacturer of nanoparticles and nanofiltration products, makes a filter that is capable of filtering the smallest of particles. The performance is due to it’s nano size alumina fiber, which attracts and retains sub-micron and nanosize particles. This disposable filter retains 99.9999+% of viruses at water flow rates several hundred times greater than virus-rated ultra porous membranes. It is useful for sterilization of biological, pharmaceutical and medical serums, protein separation, collector/concentrator for biological warfare detectors, and several other applications. Impact: In the future, for one application, sterilizing drinking water, this product may have an impact on so-called Third World peoples, who only have access to dubious sources of water.
For more current applications, see Reality is the concept that governs the new nanobusiness world
These are just a few of the many ways in which nanotechnology is working itself into our everyday lives. At present, there are no nanobots, no molecular-scale machines, and no assemblers - these are still in the basic research stages, and may not be seen for decades (although many would argue that a concerted effort would bring them to fruition in just a few years).
"What we are seeing is the beginning of a revolution, caused by our ability to work on the same scale as nature. Nanotechnology will affect every aspect of our lives, from the medicines we use, to the power of our computers, the energy supplies we require, the food we eat, the cars we drive, the buildings we live in, and the clothes we wear. And it will happen sooner than most people think. By 2010 you won't be able to count the number of businesses affected by nanotechnology." iTim Harper, Founder and Chief Executive Director of the European NanoBusiness Association, and CEO CMP Cientificahttp://www.nanotech-now.com/current-uses.htm
NaturalNano holds and/or licenses 20 patents and applications relating to Halloysite, as well as proprietary know-how for its extraction and separation processes, compositions, and derivatives.www.naturalnano.com
Applications of Halloysite Nanotubes in Polymer Composites - SpecialChem Learning on Demand
Uploaded by Omnexus This video covers, Pleximer nanocomposite masterbatch, Nylon-6 Pleximer, Polypropylene Pleximer,Additional thermoplastics - PE, TPO,..., Use of HNT in coatings
expanding global market for nanotechnology based products are projected to grow at a cumulative rate of ~19% worldwide during the period 2011-2013 according to a recent report from the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology. The global market for nanotechnology based manufactured goods will be of worth US$ 2.4 Trillion by 2015, largely driven by massive investment in nanotechnology R&D and commercialization by both governments and corporations worldwide.
*Cosmetic Applications and Licensing* NNAN Fiabila Sally Hensen 60,000 retail locations domestically. NNAN HNT's product Via Fiabia supply to Sally Henssen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod1790135 {Follow link down to Ingredients listed at bottom of page} sold at major retail outlets
NaturalNano's Acting CEO& President James Wemett said, "These recent orders from Fiabila reflect their successful commercial results from their product line which incorporates HNT technology. Fiabila's current nail polish products containing HNT are currently being sold at the largest retailers in the USA, including Target, Wal-Mart, CVS and Walgreen's, and their market expansion of those lines into European Markets.
*BIOMEDICAL*
Dr. King, an associate professor of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University, states, "The isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood samples can be targeted more effectively by incorporation of halloysite nanotubes (HNT) onto the surface of flow devices used to capture CTCs in blood." King continued, "We present a new lab protocol that utilizes off-the-shelf materials and standard equipment, so clinical and research labs will be able to utilize the method without difficulty."
The abstract can be viewed at the following link: http://www.clinchem.org/content/early/2012/02/16/clinchem.2011.176669.abstract or contact Dr. King for further details.
James Wemett, NaturalNano CEO, said, "We are pleased to have Dr. King's work with our HNT materials published. Wemett continued,"Dr. King's work with HNT continues to build on our understanding of the potential role that HNT may play in life science applications."
*AUTO and MILITARY*
licensing agreement with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) covering the commercialization of products based on five (5) patents for extended release technologies.
a range of products and applications that combine their respective patented technologies to create a new class of highperformance additives. These will significantly improve the mechanical properties of Sparta's Vehicle and Body Armor materials
For roughly 150 years after the Mint Act of 1792 by which congress established and defined the Nation's currency, the purchasing power of the dollar fluctuated in a relatively narrow range. at the end of World War II, the price level was close to peeks (and the purchasing power of the dollar close to the troughs) reached after the War of 1812, the Civil War, and World War I. in contrast to those earlier episodes, full convertibility of the dollar into gold was not restored after 1945, and prices continued to increase. The loss of the dollar's purchasing power accelerated greatly after 1971, when the last link between the dollar and gold was severed. By 2003, the dollar had lost more than 90% of it's original purchasing power.
Microtube Device for Selectin-Mediated Capture of Viable Circulating Tumor Cells from Blood
Andrew D. Hughes1,
Jeff Mattison1,
Laura T. Western1,
John D. Powderly2,3,
Bryan T. Greene2,3 and
Michael R. King1,*
+ Author Affiliations
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY;
2Bio-Cytics, Inc., Huntersville, NC;
3Carolina BioOncology Institute, PLLC, Huntersville, NC.
↵* Address correspondence to this author at: E-mail mike.king@cornell.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be used clinically to treat cancer. As a diagnostic tool, the CTC count can be used to follow disease progression, and as a treatment tool, CTCs can be used to rapidly develop personalized therapeutic strategies. To be effectively used, however, CTCs must be isolated at high purity without inflicting cellular damage.
METHODS: We designed a microscale flow device with a functionalized surface of E-selectin and antibody molecules against epithelial markers. The device was additionally enhanced with a >> halloysite nanotube << coating. We created model samples in which a known number of labeled CTCs were suspended in healthy whole blood to determine device capture efficiency. We then isolated and cultured primary CTCs from buffy coat samples of patients diagnosed with metastatic cancer.
RESULTS: Approximately 50% of CTCs were captured from model samples. Samples from 12 metastatic cancer patients and 8 healthy participants were processed in nanotube-coated or smooth devices to isolate CTCs. We isolated 20–704 viable CTCs per 3.75-mL sample, achieving purities of 18%–80% CTCs. The nanotube-coated surface significantly improved capture purities (P = 0.0004). Experiments suggested that this increase in purity was due to suppression of leukocyte spreading.
Michael King is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University. King is an expert on the receptor-mediated adhesion of circulating cells, and has developed new computational and in vitro models to study the function of leukocytes, platelets, stem and cancer cells under flow. He is a former Whitaker Investigator, a James D. Watson Investigator of New York State, and an NSF CAREER Award recipient. King received the 2008 ICNMM Outstanding Researcher Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, was the 2007-2008 Professor of the Year in Engineering at the University of Rochester, and received the 2009 Outstanding Contribution for a Publication in the International Journal Clinical Chemistry. He is the co-author of several books and over 50 journal articles. He is the leader of Project 3.
NaturalNano Announces Dr. King's Scientific Paper Published on Capture of Circulating Tumor Cells From Blood Using Halloysite Nanotubes
(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NaturalNano, Inc. (OTCBB:NNAN.OB ) (www.naturalnano.com) announced today that Dr. Michael King of Cornell University published his new technique for the isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTC) using NaturalNano's halloysite nanotubes. Dr. King's report explains his lab's recent work showing how thin coatings of naturally-forming halloysite nanotubes can greatly improve the efficiency of CTC capture from patient blood samples under flow.
Dr. King, an associate professor of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University, states, "The isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood samples can be targeted more effectively by incorporation of halloysite nanotubes (HNT) onto the surface of flow devices used to capture CTCs in blood." King continued, "We present a new lab protocol that utilizes off-the-shelf materials and standard equipment, so clinical and research labs will be able to utilize the method without difficulty."
James Wemett, NaturalNano CEO, said, "We are pleased to have Dr. King's work with our HNT materials published. Wemett continued,"Dr. King's work with HNT continues to build on our understanding of the potential role that HNT may play in life science applications."
The abstract can be viewed at the following link: http://www.clinchem.org/content/early/2012/02/16/clinchem.2011.176669.abstract or contact Dr. King for further details.
Original posted in German I believe Translation By Google Translator:
Published on May 10, 2012 by adrinilinjunky Ron Paul warns Americans of the coming economic collapse and possible martial law Ron Paul warned of a monetary collapse and the resulting social unrest. He also warns for possible intervention by the government. Black Helicopter Military Drills decend on Miami, Florida (May 08, 2012) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=j1BhRNfY1lo Published on May 10, 2012 by SignsofThyComing Miami Herald - No, there was no smell of napalm in the morning. But there was the thunderous boom, boom of low-flying helicopters, and even the shocking blasts of explosions when leaving Grand Bay Hotel in Coconut Grove, very early in the morning last Tuesday ... It was a military exercise in the middle of Miami, which many unsuspecting residents in their beds shook. More world news: (Israel) U.S. Concerned Netanyahu, Mofaz May Attack Iran (May 11, 2012) Friday Korean Air Electronic Warfare (May 11, 2012. 2:22 CDT) (Florida) Officials conduct military training in Coconut Grove, Residents Panic (May 9, 2012) China Takes Over The First USA Banks! LaRouchePAC 20th/The-May Day of Reckoning! (May 9, 2012) http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cfp-radio/2012/05/10/the-hagmann-hagmann-report- ... An important analysis of current events that you're not on the evening news to hear ... Terrorism, the globalist agenda, and how the current news is incorrect or distorted to be released by the major media. The U.S. is attacked, not only by terrorists, but from the inside! We have the courage to those who are the enemy of our freedoms, exposed to explain and identify: by whom we are attacked, and to expose others who are busy taking away our constitutional freedoms in the name of 'freedom'. Posted: Eindtijdnieuws.blogspot.com and Eindtijd.goedbegin . en
The development of individualized treatments for cancer can be facilitated by more efficient methods for separating cancer cells from patient blood in such a way that they remain viable for live cell assays. We have previously shown that immobilized P-selectin protein can be used on the inner surface of a microscale flow system to induce leukemic cells and leukocytes to roll at different velocities and relative fluxes, thereby creating a means for rapid cell fractionation without inflicting cellular damage. In this study, we explore a method to more efficiently capture leukemic and epithelial cancer cells from flow by altering the nanoscale topography of the inner surface of P-selectin-coated microtubes. This functionalized topography is achieved by attaching naturally occurring halloysite nanotubes to the microtube surface via a monolayer of poly-l-lysine), followed by functionalization with recombinant human selectin protein. We have found that halloysite nanotube coatings promote increased capture of leukemic cells and have determined the key parameters for controlling cell capture under flow: halloysite content and selectin density. Ultimately, selectin-functionalized nanotube coatings should provide a means for enhanced cancer cell isolation from whole blood and other mixtures of cells.
A plastic nanocomposite is being used for "step assists" in the GM Safari and Astro Vans. It is scratch-resistant, light-weight, and rust-proof, and generates improvements in strength and reductions in weight, which lead to fuel savings and increased longevity. And in 2001, Toyota started using nanocomposites in a bumper that makes it 60% lighter and twice as resistant to denting and scratching.
